RANGE OF MOTION

Posted by nathanvictor @nathanvictor, Sep 9 3:48pm

Hello all,
Wanted to get some positive stories on anyone who had trouble with ROM after TKR. In particular the first 3-4 months. But it got better and now it’s all good.
Also anyone who had a MUA which improved ROM and was a good outcome.

Thanks.

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cyndi2013 | @cyndi2013 | Sep 9 7:36pm

Yes, the first few months were difficult on ROM.
As recovery continued, this got some better.
No, I didn't go through MUA.
I am 10 months post op and can feel relieved that I am almost to the 1 year.
Lots of prayers 🙏

nathanvictor | @nathanvictor | Sep 10 5:00am

In reply to @cyndi2013 "Yes, the first few months were difficult on ROM. As recovery continued, this got some better...." + (show)

Thankyou, what degree of bend are you at now?

cyndi2013 | @cyndi2013 | Sep 11 8:12pm

In reply to @nathanvictor "Thankyou, what degree of bend are you at now?" + (show)

At 10 months post op, I have close to 110 most days.
I do have some days I don't get close depending on my activity. I work 10 - 12 hours a day, 5 - 6 days a week.
But it is better than 4 months ago.
Hang in there, you got this 👍

shandra | @shandra | Sep 14 8:39pm

As with age and weight ROM is just a number . Can you comfortably do stairs ? Are you walking a couple of times a day ? Icing for pain and heating for muscle cramps ? Resting ? I know patience is required and it sounds like we both need more 😊Take care ! Do the best you can do

nanasuzanne | @nanasuzanne | Sep 15 10:29am

In reply to @shandra "As with age and weight ROM is just a number . Can you comfortably do stairs..." + (show)

Sounds like a doable plan. I can't drive so my walking is limited to house but I am going to make more of a effort. My walk is limpy and not smooth so I tire quick. You take care too!

july1955 | @july1955 | Sep 15 11:12am

I also had trouble with ROM after my TKR. In fact, at my 3-month follow-up, the NP in my surgeon's office threatened me with talk of MUA. When I told my physical therapist, he laughed and said she did that all the time. I was struggling though. PT could barely get the ROM from my leg with painful manipulation, and I couldn't get it on my own. I had plenty of strength and minimal pain normally, but it felt like I was fighting a band going over the top of my knee. My physical therapist couldn't figure out what was causing that feeling, but it took months for it to gradually diminish. We started every PT session with 5 minutes on the stationary cycle, but he had to pull the seat way back and I couldn't pedal on the one at home at all because of ROM. I figured out on my own that I felt less resistance if I worked on ROM while lying on my side, rather than on my back. I also discovered I could get more ROM by relaxing my leg while on my back with a bar supporting my knee, than by trying to force it. By about 10 months, I was riding my own cycle at home. My surgeon gave me the "all good" at 12 months. My advice is to experiment. Figure out what works for you.